Bondsman Arrested, Accused of Filing Forged Court Motion

RALEIGH -- Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of Steve Anthony Harrison, 42, of 206 Pinegate Circle, Chapel Hill; he is charged with one felony count of attempting to obtain property by false pretense and one felony count of forging a name to a petition.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that on or about May 11, 2011, while serving as a bail bondsman, Harrison filed a motion to set aside bond forfeiture on a $1,000 bond in Chatham County. In filing that motion, investigators allege that Harrison forged the name of an attorney as the “moving party" without that attorney’s consent or knowledge.

Harrison was arrested on Oct. 17 in Chatham County and released on an unsecured bond. He is scheduled to appear in Chatham County court on Nov. 14, 2011.

The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. Since Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin took office in 2008, criminal investigators have received more than 11,500 complaints, resulting in 550 arrests, 300 criminal convictions, and more than 115 cases currently pending a court appearance. These arrests have resulted in more than $47.6 million in restitution and recoveries for victims.

An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. To report suspected
fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous.
Information is also available at www.ncdoi.com.